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Polygons consist of line segments connected only at their endpoints. Many types of polygons exist, with varying side and angle measurements. Using formulas, we can find the sum of the interior angles of a polygon.
Key Terms
Polygon: Any closed planar figure made entirely of line segments that only intersect at the endpoints. Side: The line segment making up the polygon. Vertex (plural, vertices): The point where the segments intersect. Convex Polygon: A polygon where all the interior angles are less than 180. Interior Angle: The angle inside of a closed figure with straight sides. Concave Polygon: A polygon where at least one interior angle is greater than 180. Diagonal: A line segment that connects two non-consecutive sides of a polygon. Exterior Angle: The angle formed by one side of a polygon and the extension of the adjacent side. Equilateral Polygon: All sides of the polygon are congruent. Equiangular Polygon: All interior angles of the polygon are congruent. Regular Polygon: A polygon that is equilateral and equiangular.
Polygons
In a polygon, the sides can NEVER be curved. Line segments form the sides of the polygon. The polygon must also be closed. To name a polygon, the vertices are listed in consecutive order. A polygon lies within one plane. Convex and Concave Polygons
In a convex polygon, no section points inward.
A side connects consecutive vertices, while a diagonal connects nonconsecutive vertices. A concave polygon has a section that points inward toward the interior of the shape.
Concave polygons have at least one diagonal outside the figure (the exterior line drawn in the figure below).
Disclaimer:thisstudyguidewasnotcreatedtoreplace yourtextbookandisforclassroomorindividualuseonly.
This guide was created by Nicole Crawford, Jane Li, Amy Shen, and Zachary Wilson. To learn more about the student authors, visit http://www.ck12.org/ about/about-us/team/interns.
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v1.10.31.2011
Polygons
cont.
Geometry
Angles in Polygons
Interior Angles in Convex Polygons
Since regular polygons are equiangular and equilateral, this formula can be used for regular polygons as well.
Classifying Polygons
Polygons can be classified by the number of sides. An n-gon is a polygon with n sides. The table below lists some of the common polygons that have special names. Polygon Name Number of Sides Regular Polygon
Triangle
Quadrilateral
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Polygons
Polygon Name
cont.
Geometry
Pentagon
Nonagon
Hexagon
Decagon
10
Heptagon
Undecagon or hendecagon
11
Octagon
Dodecagon
12
Notes
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